Tonight is Rosh Chodesh Elul, the first of two days marking the beginning of the new month that will eventually usher in Rosh Hashanah on the first day of Tishri.
It's fitting that tonight/tomorrow is Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest that simultaneously marks both the end of Creation and the exodus from Egyptian slavery. On Shabbat, the nourishing spirituality of Divine rest mingles with the Holy One's rescuing slaves from spiritual famine. And on this particular Shabbat, the spiritual nourishment that sustains those who are hungry for a taste of the Divine offers sustenance to begin the season of self-examination and atonement.
This year, as we Americans deal with a terrifying and hate-filled campaign season, we need Shabbat and the season of self-reflection more than ever. May the month of Elul begin that process.
(graphic: alefdesigns.com)
It's fitting that tonight/tomorrow is Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest that simultaneously marks both the end of Creation and the exodus from Egyptian slavery. On Shabbat, the nourishing spirituality of Divine rest mingles with the Holy One's rescuing slaves from spiritual famine. And on this particular Shabbat, the spiritual nourishment that sustains those who are hungry for a taste of the Divine offers sustenance to begin the season of self-examination and atonement.
This year, as we Americans deal with a terrifying and hate-filled campaign season, we need Shabbat and the season of self-reflection more than ever. May the month of Elul begin that process.
(graphic: alefdesigns.com)
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